Future Marine Lawyer Shares His Journey from Interest to OCS Induction

LARAMIE, WY, UNITED STATES

10.31.2022

Story by Capt. Obakai Grandisson 

8th Marine Corps District

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Hometown: Wilson, WY
Future MOS: 4402 JUDGE ADVOCATE
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What are you now in your training pipeline?

“I’m currently a 3L Law Student at University of Wyoming. I plan to take the bar at the end of July 2023. I went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in summer 2021 in the PLC Combined program.”
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Why did you choose to join the Marines?

“The Ethos of Marine first drew me in. I heard of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) program and it attracted me to becoming a Marine than becoming a lawyer”
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Why do you want to be a lawyer?

2ndLt French owes his desire to become a lawyer to his time in Washington D.C. as an intern. “I worked with lawyers, lawmakers, and general counsel while at Capitol Hill for several years.”

“The soft skills such as analytical-mindset, and being able to help people in a criminal context is a unique skill and the best way to have a positive impact on others’ lives.”
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How do you define success?
“Earned success is the biggest indicator of happiness and the ability to overcome barriers others weren’t.”
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What is the biggest contributor to your success?
“Ability to work on a long-term goal. The Marine Corps has given him this opportunity and has been on 3-year journey to becoming a Marine lawyer.”
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What do you contribute your success in becoming a Marine Officer?
“Perseverance. Willingness to do something others wouldn’t do. Having a goal in mind, stick to it, and persevere.”
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What challenges did you have in becoming an officer?
“Officer Candidate School was a challenge. I didn’t have a prior military background which created a steep learning curve. The Drill Instructors and OCS billets were also demanding. I served as a Platoon Sergeant at OCS within my first few days at OCS which brought on challenges.”
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How did you overcome these challenges?
“Perseverance and self-confidence to work smart enough and strong enough and not allow self-doubt to creep in.”
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What’s something you wish you would have known prior to starting this journey?
“I didn’t realize the long training pipeline between signing the contract to practicing law as a Marine JAG.”
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Is there anything else you would like to share?
“This past summer I interned with HQMC JAG Division over the summer.”

“I have enjoyed the journey so far and am awaiting to report to The Basic School (TBS) following law school.”
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His Officer Selection Officer, Capt Samantha Rosales, who leads the Officer Selection Team Fort Collins, stated, “He really embodies what it means to be a Marine with looking for leadership opportunities and always working on improving not only himself but the team as a whole. He's the squad leader for the University of Wyoming candidates where he leads PT twice a week and is the main point of contact for the school. Even as a smart and involved student at law school, being a lawyer will be a huge career highlight but not what defines him, I see being a Marine Corps Officer and a leader really being the defining characteristics.”

• Date Taken: 10.31.2022
• Date Posted: 12.06.2022 16:06
• Story ID: 432862
• Location: LARAMIE, WY, US